Building A Business-Friendly Telangana, How TIF Is Shaping Industrial Progress

Kondaveeti Sudhir Reddy, President of the Telangana Industrialists Federation (TIF), has played a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s industrial ecosystem, particularly the MSME sector. A civil engineering graduate from JNTU Hyderabad, Reddy transitioned from a 14-year academic career to entrepreneurship, establishing his own industry in 1996.

During the Telangana statehood movement, Reddy mobilised MSME industrialists and workers, advocating for their interests. In 2009, he co-founded TIF, creating a unified platform for industrialists aligned with the cause. After the formation of Telangana, TIF worked closely with the government, playing an active role in shaping TS-iPASS, the state’s landmark industrial policy. Reddy also led the Cherlapally Industries Association and was instrumental in transforming the area into a zero-garbage, dustbin-free industrial estate. Under his leadership, TIF has driven several key initiatives, including the development of the 553-acre TIF MSME Green Industrial Park in Munugodu in collaboration with the state government. The park offers modern infrastructure for micro and small enterprises and houses a Common Facility Centre that provides skill training, banking, and essential services—attracting entrepreneurs from across the country.

In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Reddy detailed his proactive leadership and TIF’s contributions to Telangana’s industrial growth. Beyond industry, TIF has also supported social causes, including Covid-19 relief and educational outreach. With Reddy’s leadership, TIF continues to drive MSME growth, sustainable industrial practices, and economic development, cementing its role as a key player in Telangana’s industrial ecosystem

How do you see Telangana's industrial growth in the past few years and what role has TIF played in shaping this progress?

Telangana has witnessed remarkable industrial growth, especially post the state's formation. The government has focused on ease of doing business, infrastructure development, sectoral diversification, proactive industrial policies, and uninterrupted power supply. Initiatives like T-Hub, T-Pride, T-Idea, and TASC have contributed to Telangana securing top rankings in ease of doing business. Additionally, improved law and order conditions have fostered a conducive environment for industrial growth. TIF plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between industry and government, advocating policy reforms, facilitating business for MSMEs, mentoring entrepreneurs, and initiating entrepreneurial activities.

What are the key challenges industrialists in Telangana face today, and how is TIF addressing them?

The major challenges include power availability, land acquisition for new industries, credit flow to MSMEs, and a shortage of skilled workforce. TIF works to address these by advocating for better financial support, policy reforms, and skill development programs to ensure a trained workforce for industries.

Telangana has positioned itself as a business-friendly State. What more can be done to attract investments, especially in the MSME sector?

Further streamlining approvals, enhancing export promotions, increasing financial assistance to MSMEs, and implementing RBI guidelines for the priority sector are critical. Lowering the cost of doing business, making industrial land available at nominal prices, and ensuring power supply at competitive rates will help Telangana attract more investments. De-monopolising the power sector and allowing MSMEs open access to power markets can significantly reduce production costs.

How do you evaluate the impact of State policies like TS-iPASS on ease of doing business for industries?

TS-iPASS has been a game changer, simplifying approvals, reducing corruption, and improving ease of doing business. The single-window approval system has helped industries obtain clearances from various departments efficiently. Other legislative measures have also been introduced to simplify compliance and reduce regulatory burdens.

What sectors in Telangana hold the most promise for future industrial growth, and how can entrepreneurs capitalise on them?

The defense and aerospace sector has recently overtaken the pharmaceutical sector as the most promising industry. Additionally, food processing, due to Telangana's strong agricultural base, offers immense potential. Establishing dedicated food processing clusters across the state can add value to agricultural produce. The EV manufacturing sector also presents significant opportunities for MSMEs.

How is TIF working with the government to improve industrial infrastructure in the State?

TIF collaborates with the government to identify infrastructural gaps and push for the development of new industrial parks, especially for MSMEs. It has successfully initiated MSME parks like those in Rayaraopet and Madharam . Additionally, TIF has worked with the government to establish an exclusive MSME park near Ramoji Film City. The focus is also on developing women’s industrial parks and ensuring inclusive growth for weaker sections and minorities.

What are the major upcoming initiatives from TIF for small and medium enterprises?

TIF is initiating skill development programs, encouraging MSMEs to leverage government schemes for infrastructure development, and organising exhibitions and conventions for market support. Common facility centers are being developed, and several skill development programs are being conducted in industrial areas to ensure a skilled workforce for industries.

What measures are being taken to enhance skill development and workforce training in Telangana?

Skill shortages remain a significant challenge. TIF, in collaboration with industry associations and government agencies, is launching multiple skill development programs to bridge this gap and ensure a well-trained workforce for emerging industries.

What policy changes do you believe are necessary to further boost the manufacturing sector in Telangana?

Strengthening facilitation councils for MSMEs to recover delayed payments, reinforcing T-Works for product prototyping, and simplifying compliance requirements are crucial. Boosting R&D and ensuring easier access to credit will further drive industrial growth. Industrial philanthropy should also be encouraged to support budding entrepreneurs.

How is Telangana’s industrial sector adapting to global challenges like supply chain disruptions and inflation?

Telangana industries are diversifying supply chains, adopting automation, and focusing on local sourcing to mitigate risks. Knowledge-sharing sessions and policy dialogues are being facilitated to ensure business resilience. With global industries moving away from China post-Covid, Telangana has an opportunity to attract significant investments.

What are your thoughts on Telangana’s focus on green and sustainable industries?

Telangana is emerging as a leader in sustainable industries, particularly in renewable energy and EV manufacturing. TIF actively encourages industries to adopt eco-friendly practices, sustainable energy technologies, and circular economy models. A green industrial park has been developed near Ramoji Film City near Hyderabad as a model initiative.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs looking to set up industries in Telangana?

Entrepreneurs should conduct thorough market research, leverage Telangana’s strong policy framework, and network with industry associations for guidance. The state and central governments offer various incentives and support schemes that young entrepreneurs should take advantage of. Additionally, availing services from government organisations and industry helpdesks will help navigate the industrial landscape effectively.

How is TIF fostering innovation and supporting startups in the industrial sector?

TIF facilitates collaborations between startups and established industries, assists with prototyping, and provides funding opportunities. It also supports the development of sector-focused innovation hubs to drive technological advancements.